‘I’ll Die Smiling’- a Book Dedicated in Gratitude to a Friend, Mentor, Philosopher Late Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ

‘I’ll Die Smiling’- a Book Dedicated to a Friend, Mentor, Philosopher and a Role Model, Late Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ, released on his 5th Death anniversary at Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru on Tuesday, 18 August 2020

Mangaluru: Always smiling, most humble, very spiritual and very much loved by students of St Aloysius College and well-wishers/friends – Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ, more than a priest was a friend of all. Everyone who knew Fr Ronnie will remember him, even today, for his SMILE, BRILLIANCE, HIS CHARM, and his COMMITMENT to his work. His death after prolonged illness five years ago shocked everyone who was near and dear to him- and on his 5th death anniversary, I dedicate this article as a tribute to my beloved priest, my mentor, and most of all my great friend. It was over four decades ago that I had a very close association with Fr Prabhu, while I was a BSc student at St Aloysius College- and in 1980 when I was the secretary/Editor-in-Chief of SAC Co-Life Association/Magazine, I used to spend an hour with Fr Prabhu every week- where he would reply to the questions asked by the students, as part of a SAC Co-Life Magazine section, “Ask The Rector!”.

Fr Ronnie used to answer every question that was posed at him by the students, no matter how bad and rude the questions were, with his stern and sometimes witty answers. Tit-for-tat! When done with our meeting, Fr Ronnie used to give me some loose change to buy bhelpuri and sugarcane juice at ‘Mangli’s’- a sugarcane juice/bhelpuri shack near the college. For many years after I completed my studies at St Aloysius College, I was in touch with Fr Ronnie constantly for many years- even after I moved to the US in 1990, and every year I used to mail him a Christmas card, and few times he sent me a card back with a prayer attached to it. For some reasons later we lost contact, I couldn’t keep communicating, probably due to his transfer from institution to institution.
Five years ago on this day, it was shocking to read the news that Father Ronnie Prabhu SJ, former provincial of Karnataka Jesuits, renowned retreat preacher and promoter of interreligious dialogue, died Tuesday, 18 August 2015 in Bengaluru. He was suffering from cancer for some time. He was 75, and his death occurred at St Philomena Hospital- Bengaluru at 6.45 pm. Those present at the time of his death said he was cheerful to the end and died with a smile on his face. His funeral was held on 20 August 2015 at St Joseph’s College chapel, Bengaluru, and the burial was held at Mount St. Joseph Jesuit house at Bannerghatta. Fr Ronnie Prabhu had made a difference in people’s lives as a clergy/rector at St Aloysius then- by walking with people he knew and also strangers, journeying together with them, interacting with them at the most special moments of their lives, the greatest joys and the deepest sorrows. Therefore everyone respected and adored him as a religious leader, a devoted priest, a religious educator of young and the old and as a true role model. He was always courteous and ready to assist anyone in need regardless of their religion or way of life.

It is indeed delightful to note that a bevvy of his friends had decided to bring out a book on late Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ titled “I’ll Die Smiling” to keep his memory alive, as he was known for his pleasant smile which opened the hearts of many to himself, and through him to Jesus Christ. Even though Fr Ronnie is no longer with us physically, but his spirit is still vibrating in us with his smile and friendly encouragement to do something beautiful for God and his people. And according to Steevan D’Souza, a lecturer in Business Management, the main man behind this idea of bringing out this book “I’ll Die Smiling”, says, “The idea of putting together a book with a collection of fond memories was suggested by my friend Venkatesha Nayak. Later, Ms Olga Noronha, Charles Pais, David Pais, and Margaret Rebello supported me wholeheartedly. Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ helped me with the book title, and Mrs Rosemarie A Pais painstakingly did the editing. And today, we have this compile of memories in the form of a book “I’ll Die Smiling” of Late Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ- a friend, philosopher, mentor and a role model”.

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The Book release programme was held on Tuesday, 18 August 2020 at 5.30 pm at Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru. The welcome address was delivered by compere and organizer of the event Steevan D’Souza, followed by a short prayer. Following a short audio-video presentation on the life of Fr Ronnie Prabhu, the inter-religious prayer was led by Ms Olga Noronha, (the Former Programme Co-ordinator at Fatima Retreat House), joined by Santhosh Kumar Kadri, (President, St Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA), Mangaluru); Mrs Edith D’Souza (A relative of Fr Ronnie); and Patrick D’Souza (Staff at Fatima Retreat House). The book was released by Fr Maxim Misquith SJ-the Director of Fatima Retreat House, joined by Steevan D’Souza and Ms Olga Noronha.

Releasing the book in his speech, Fr Maxim Misquith SJ said, “As I was reflecting on the life of Fr Ronnie, two outstanding and fascinating qualities flashed my mind-they are two “S”- Fr Ronnie was a man of deep spirituality. The prayer, Holy Eucharist, Rosary devotions were his ‘Forte’. They were governing his life and were the source and the secrets of his life’s success. Secondly, Fr Ronnie was a man with a Smile. As the title of the book depicts, Fr Ronnie Prabhu till his last breadth radiated beautiful smile to everyone. The smile is the result of his great and genuine personality. He diffused peace, love, compassion, serenity through his smile. Fr Ronnie was a rector when I entered the Jesuit Order, and since then he was a great friend, a guide, spiritual director and philosopher-Not only to me but for many Jesuits and well-wishers. May His life inspire and motivate each one of us to live and lead a Happy and Better life”.

Two Jesuit priests, namely Fr Clarence D’Souza SJ and Fr Maxim Rasquinha SJ, who were closely associated with Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ expressed their thoughts. Expressing his words of wisdom on Fr Ronnie, Fr Clarence D’Souza said, “I would like to picture Fr Ronnie as Optimism Personified, who was always looking at the brighter side of things, with no room for discouragement or despondency. He was always keeping cheerful and making others cheerful. A sad Saint had no place in his vocabulary. Fr Ronnie was an influential man, very close to the Archbishop, political big-wigs, and was the Superior of every big institution in the Jesuit province. Indeed, he was a role model for everyone in the Jesuit family”. The vote of thanks was proposed by Charles Pais, the professor at St Agnes College, Mangaluru. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only a small gathering was invited, but the programme went on well, paying rich tribute to a great man and a friend of all.

My memories go back to the retreats handled by Fr Ronnie Prabhu. His communication during retreats has touched the hearts of many people. He always had a bright smile on his face and showed a friendly nature, for which he was admired for his love and friendship. His vibrant personality and love flowed throughout all functions, may it be college or church events. His nature of closeness and friendliness endeared him to all. He always created a welcoming atmosphere-he represented humility and had a way of making his acquaintances feel equally important. People were attracted to him since he was kind and friendly, together with being gentle and cheerful. Always warm, compassionate and a smile on his face, people have seen Fr Ronnie’s journey in his walk with God, and so many people were blessed to be on that path with Fr Ronnie and his smile that transcended any barrier. Fr Ronnie had a reputation as a “true pastor”.

Smart, active, intelligent, energetic, social, friendly, and a spiritual Catholic priest, Fr Prabhu has won the hearts of everyone who came in contact with him. Today faithful expect their priest to be a dynamic preacher, impressive celebrant, effective healer, sensitive listener, able administrator, friendly person, dedicated caretaker of the administration, sounding board and even, sometimes a punching bag-Fr Ronnie had all these qualities and had kept his promises to serve as a good, God-fearing priest. People compliment him for his loyalty to the Jesuit community, his wonderful gentleness and humour, his smile and friendliness and for the wonderful things he has done for the Jesuit congregation and the community.

Fr Ronnie Prabhu was truly an inspiration to many people, young and old, in his daily interaction with them. The inspiration one gets from a humble person’s declaration of humanness and frailty is taken from Scripture’s words, ” Man does not live on bread alone but by the words of God”. Fr Ronnie had a special way that warmed the hearts of everyone who knew him. And the qualities that made him a wonderful person have left us all with beautiful memories. He respected everyone with dignity and pride and was courteous and kind to all. He never acted proud of his designation as rector or other higher posts instead, led a very simple designation.

Even though Fr Ronnie has departed, his love is still with us. His life well-lived is a precious gift of hope and strength for someone who has made our world a better, brighter place. It fills us with sweet and bitter memories, with smiles and tears, with friendships formed and good times shared and laughter through the years. Finally, to my beloved priest, my mentor, my friend, and friend of all, my message is, “Fr Ronnie, your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part. God has you in His keeping, but we’ll always have you in our hearts and in our memories”.

Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ- a Profile:

Fr. Ronnie Prabhu was born on April 9, 1940, at Kodialbail in Mangaluru. He studied at St Aloysius College and joined the Society of Jesus on July 1, 1957. He always secured distinction in studies and even bagged a gold medal in his master’s degree in philosophy which he completed from Dharwad University. He joined the Society of Jesus as he felt he was a ‘pampered child of God,’ and felt that his life’s mission was to bring love, joy and peace into the hearts of the people.

He was ordained a priest on February 23, 1970. He served as rector of St Aloysius College from 1980 to 1986, and during his tenure, he set up the St Aloysius Boys’ Home and Industrial Technical Institute. In 1986. He took over as rector of St Joseph’s College, Bengaluru and from 1992 to 1998, he served as rector of Mount St Joseph College, Bengaluru. From 1998 to 2004, he was the provincial of Karnataka Jesuits, during which he initiated the Jesuit Mission to Manvi in Raichur and Vijaypura. As provincial he was instrumental in starting a school under the Central Board of Secondary Education for the underprivileged in Raichur district which has now bloomed into a full-fledged college.

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Fr Ronnie Prabhu served as director of Fatima Retreat House in Mangaluru. He was appointed public relations officer of Bangalore archdiocese three years ago. He was also the spokesperson of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council and the Karnataka Jesuits as well. Fr. Prabhu was known for his interest and passion for the development of interfaith dialogue. In 1970, he set up the Aashirvad (blessing), a centre for interfaith dialogue, and conducted annual meets there. He was known for initiating inter-religious dialogue with Aashirvad centre for interfaith dialogue which he set up in 1970 and annual meets were conducted. .

Fr Prabhu maintained rapport with leaders of Lingayat and Okkaliga communities and also with Pejawar Swamiji, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade and religious heads of other faiths across the state of Karnataka. He served as the rector of St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru, after the centenary celebrations. He brought in a fresh look that made a lot of difference, starting a Konkani Centre and an Industrial Training Institute. He also served as rector, St. Joseph’s college Bengaluru, and Mount St. Joseph, a formation centre for Jesuits at various times.

Fr Ronnie also found the practice of yoga and pranic compatible with the Catholic faith. He had some Buddhist forms of meditation and taught them. He, however, held that he rejected whatever is pantheistic or monastic, whatever does not accept a personal loving Trinitarian God. He was nominated for an award for ‘Outstanding Community Leaders of Mangaluru’. At the time of his death, Fr Prabhu was the public relations officer for all the dioceses in Karnataka. Fr Prabhu faced death with a smile.

Following is an audio-video presentation on Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ by Mytri Creations, Bengaluru who also ran a multi-series on Doordarshan, where Fr Ronnie acted in several in the series and in fact it was the brainchild of his and he supported this program to promote the life of Christ in Kannada to Karnataka.

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